My colleague Steve Metzger recently attended the 2019 PGA Show. He reports on the trends in personal mobility vehicles from established and new players. In addition, he discusses the mainstreaming of lithium batteries and related implications. The following is a summary of key insights from the article.

• The personal mobility market in the form of personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) is attracting an increased level of product development.
• The major fleet golf car manufacturers, Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha are turning their attention to PTVs and other non-golf markets.
• New models incorporate a greater variety of features and more automotive style features
• The Sirius PTV from Star Electric Vehicles is the most likely candidate to seriously challenge offerings from Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha.
• Club Car introduced lithium battery powered models and other manufacturers are considering the technology as well
• Both Trojan Battery and ReLion Battery presented lithium batteries targeting the aftermarket for PTVs, golf cars and light-duty utility vehicles
• Lithium battery market penetration has implications for the recycling of fleet golf cars, used PTVs and future demand for public road access for PTVs
• EFI engine technology continues to advance in the face of improving battery technology as market choice will likely increase before a winner shakes out
• Potential California LSV legislation could become a model for other states and a market driver
• Product engineers may drive the market in the next 3 to 5 years

Learn more: Smallvehicleresource.com (Full article)

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com